Protek & Teflon

[philromano@attglobal.net]

I used to spend lot of time trying to clean corroded key pins. Now, (as
others have said) I simply replace them if they are bad enough. Pins are
relatively cheap and an easy way to get them out of the frame is to grab the
old pin with a small vise grip then use an "O" ring plier to pry the pin
out. Use a small piece of wood to avoid scratching or dimpling the frame. I
can replace in about the same amoount of time as polishing a set.

For polishing faily new pins I use Flitz but have recently found a new
polish called "MAAS". The Flitz comes in about $10 a tube or small bottle ,
while the Maas was found at Wal Mart for $3. I've also used Peak polish in
the past. Check marine hardware stores for lots of good options.


Phil Romano
Myrtle Beach, SC


----- Original Message -----
From: "Farrell" <mfarrel2@tampabay.rr.com>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: Sunday, August 05, 2001 8:59 AM
Subject: Re: Protek & Teflon


> > Using a real fine metal polish (Brasso is far too
> > crude) the metal can be polished......
>
> I'm not familiar with "Brasso". The woman that does my key bushings also
> will "clean the key pins". She uses #0000 steel wool. That leaves the pins
> clean, but visibly dulled. I have always figured this to be a bad thing,
as
> the roughened surface would be of greater friction than a super-smooth
> surface, and also dramatically increase surface area and thus increase the
> rate of future corrosion. I have always taken a metal polish to them after
I
> get them back and polished them. She says the steel wool is the way to go.
I
> have my doubts about it being the BEST way to go. Can I assume you agree
> with me?
>
> Terry Farrell
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Newton Hunt" <nhunt@optonline.net>
> To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
> Sent: Saturday, August 04, 2001 11:05 PM
> Subject: Re: Protek & Teflon
>
>
> > > I use drafting tape,
> >
> > Hi Kevin,
> >
> > Gee, I forgot about drafting tape.  Many tape makers try to get the
> stickiest
> > stuff they can get or make.  Of of those glues are stronger than the
> substrate
> > they are applied to.  Drafting tape on the other hand is designed to
hold
> the
> > paper in one place but the tape will come off without tearing the paper
or
> > leaving some of itself behind.  Good stuff for weak or temporary
stickum.
> >
> > One of the problems with key pins is that they corrode.  Not much and
not
> > visibly but corrode they do.  Using a real fine metal polish (Brasso is
> far too
> > crude) the metal can be polished THEN lubricated along with the felt and
> the
> > bushings will last much longer.  It is the polishing that helps the most
> and a
> > good coating of a good lubricant will help prevent future corrosion.
> >
> > Any time you can rub the pin with the key bushing (apply sideways
> pressure) and
> > get drag it is a corrosion problem.  Don't believe your eyes, believe
your
> > fingers.
> >
> > Have a good week all.
> >
> > Newton
>